In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess at Cheltenham's historic College Ground, Lancashire secured a hard-fought nine-wicket victory over Gloucestershire on July 25, 2025, keeping their promotion ambitions to the First Division of the Rothesay County Championship very much alive. The standout star of the match was undoubtedly Tom Hartley, whose career-best all-round performance propelled Lancashire to a memorable win and underscored his growing reputation as a key player in the county circuit.
Hartley’s match figures of 11 for 215 were instrumental in turning the tide in Lancashire’s favor. Earlier in the game, he had already made his mark with a highest score of 130 and a devastating 6 for 116 bowling spell that put Lancashire firmly in control. On the final day, his relentless left-arm spin dismantled Gloucestershire’s batting lineup, claiming 5 for 99 as the home side was dismissed for 285 in their second innings after being made to follow on. His bowling heroics were complemented by Chris Green’s 2 for 62, with spin bowlers collectively taking seven wickets on a pitch that offered some assistance to turners.
Gloucestershire’s innings featured notable contributions from Ben Charlesworth, who scored a resilient 71, and Joe Phillips, whose gritty 56 helped extend the innings. Despite these efforts, Gloucestershire struggled to stave off the pressure applied by Lancashire’s bowlers, particularly as wickets fell regularly throughout the day.
The second innings resumed with Gloucestershire at 98 without loss but still trailing by 78 runs. The opening stand was quickly broken when Lancashire’s captain Jimmy Anderson struck early, dismissing Cameron Bancroft for 35 with a sharp catch at mid-wicket. George Balderson soon followed by claiming Charlesworth, who had been the mainstay of the innings, caught at short mid-wicket for 71. The home side’s middle order faltered under the pressure, with Ollie Price and Miles Hammond departing before lunch, leaving Gloucestershire precariously placed at 168 for 4.
Joe Phillips stood out as Gloucestershire’s best hope, grinding through 110 balls and hitting eight fours in a determined 56-ball 50. However, his vigil was eventually ended by Hartley, caught at short leg by Keaton Jennings, as Gloucestershire’s resistance began to crumble. Hartley then removed van Buuren for eight and later bowled Todd Murphy, who had mounted a brief counter-attack with a lively 33 off 56 balls. The final nail in the coffin came when Hartley accounted for the last man, Marchant de Lange, securing his first-ever 10-wicket match haul and sealing the fate of the home side.
With a target of 110 runs set in 26 overs, Lancashire’s chase was confident and composed. They lost only one wicket—Luke Wells—before the unbroken second-wicket partnership between Keaton Jennings and Josh Bohannon took control. Jennings, who top-scored with a brisk 57 not out from 67 balls, and Bohannon, who remained undefeated on 45 from 50 deliveries, combined for a commanding 103-run partnership that eased Lancashire to victory with five overs to spare. This partnership not only showcased their skill but also their ability to handle pressure against a quartet of Gloucestershire spinners who had abandoned seam bowling in a bid to stem the flow of runs.
The win marked Lancashire’s second successive triumph in the red-ball format under the new leadership of interim head coach Steve Croft and captain Jimmy Anderson, boosting their confidence and moving them into fourth place in the Second Division. This leapfrogged Gloucestershire, who had to settle for five points after suffering their third defeat of the season.
Reflecting on the match, Hartley’s all-round brilliance was the defining factor. His ability to contribute both with the bat and ball has been vital for Lancashire’s resurgence this season. The team’s blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents appears to be striking the right balance as they push for promotion.
Meanwhile, Gloucestershire will look to regroup after a tough day in the field. Their batting showed flashes of resistance, particularly from Charlesworth and Phillips, but the inability to build sustained partnerships ultimately cost them dearly. The pitch at Cheltenham, known for assisting spin, played into Lancashire’s hands, and Hartley exploited the conditions masterfully.
Beyond this gripping encounter, the Rothesay County Championship saw other notable action at Sophia Gardens, where Glamorgan clinched a five-wicket victory over Kent. Glamorgan’s stand-in captain Kiran Carlson led the charge with an unflustered 89 not out, steering his side from a precarious 25 for 2 to a commanding position. Kent’s struggles continued as they extended their winless streak to eight matches, remaining anchored at the bottom of Division Two. Matt Parkinson impressed with the ball for Kent, taking 4 for 82, but it was not enough to prevent Glamorgan from moving up to second place ahead of Derbyshire.
Returning to Lancashire’s triumph, the victory at Cheltenham is more than just a win; it’s a statement of intent. Under the stewardship of Croft and Anderson, Lancashire have shown resilience and tactical nous, qualities that will be crucial as the season progresses. The players’ ability to perform under pressure, especially in tight situations such as the final day at Cheltenham, bodes well for their promotion aspirations.
The match also highlighted the importance of spin bowling in English county cricket, particularly on pitches that offer turn. Hartley’s skillful left-arm spin was a thorn in Gloucestershire’s side throughout the match, emphasizing how vital it is for teams to adapt to conditions and utilize their bowling resources effectively.
As Lancashire look ahead, maintaining this momentum will be key. The squad’s depth, combined with the leadership of Anderson and the tactical acumen of Croft, provides a solid foundation. For Gloucestershire, the focus will be on regrouping and addressing the vulnerabilities exposed during this match, especially their susceptibility to spin and the need for more consistent batting performances.
In a season filled with challenges and opportunities, this match at Cheltenham stands out as a classic example of cricket’s ebb and flow, where individual brilliance and team effort combine to produce unforgettable moments. Lancashire’s nine-wicket victory not only keeps their promotion hopes alive but also signals their intent to be a formidable force in the Rothesay County Championship moving forward.
